Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is expected to make her return to legislative duties at the National Assembly later this month following the completion of her six-month suspension. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, disclosed this in Abuja while confirming that the lawmaker had already made preparations to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
Giwa explained that the senator is currently in London on vacation but assured that her absence from the country would not affect her readiness to return to her duties. According to him, the expiration of the suspension period means there are no legal or administrative hurdles preventing her from reclaiming her seat. “Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” he stated.
The lawyer further expressed confidence that the Senate leadership would not pose any resistance to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return. He noted that discussions with relevant authorities within the National Assembly had indicated a willingness to reintegrate her seamlessly into the chamber. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” Giwa said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had sparked debates in political and civic circles, with supporters insisting that the measure was punitive and unfairly targeted at silencing her voice in the chamber. Her anticipated return is therefore expected to reignite discussions about her legislative priorities and the broader implications of disciplinary measures within the Senate.
Observers believe that her resumption could also impact political dynamics in Kogi State, where she commands a strong support base. Her presence in the Senate, they argue, may provide renewed representation for her constituents who have been without her active participation in legislative proceedings for half a year.
As the Senate prepares to reconvene after its recess, attention will be focused on how Akpoti-Uduaghan reintegrates into plenary activities, the reception she receives from her colleagues, and the issues she chooses to prioritise on her return.
Her return marks the end of a controversial episode in her political career, and many within her district and beyond will be watching closely to see how she navigates her comeback and reasserts her role in national politics.
